Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), 63993-64003 [2020-22345]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Commodity Credit Corporation

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 197 (Friday, October 9, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63993-64003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-22345]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 197 / Friday, October 9, 2020 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 63993]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation

7 CFR Part 1470

[Docket No. NRCS-2019-0020]
RIN 0578-AA67


Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation, United States Department of 
Agriculture.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule adopts, with minor changes, an interim rule 
published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2019. The interim 
rule implemented changes to CSP that were necessitated by enactment of 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) or that were 
required to implement administrative improvements and clarifications. 
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) received input from 
110 commenters who provided 615 comments in response to the interim 
rule. This final rule makes permanent those changes appearing in the 
interim rule, responds to comments, and makes further adjustments in 
response to some of the comments received. In addition, the rule makes 
some minor technical corrections.

DATES: Effective: October 9, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Whitt. Phone: (202) 690-2267 
or email: [email protected]. Persons with disabilities who require 
alternative means for communication should contact the USDA Target 
Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended the Food 
Security Act of 1985 to establish CSP and the Agricultural Act of 2014 
(2014 Farm Bill) reauthorized and revised CSP through fiscal year (FY 
2018). The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) moved 
CSP from subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 to a new subchapter B of chapter 4 of 
subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, reauthorized 
CSP through FY 2023, and then repealed subchapter B of chapter 2 as 
amended. On November 12, 2019, NRCS published an interim rule with 
request for comments in the Federal Register (84 FR 60883-60900; 
referred to below as the interim rule) that implemented mandatory 
changes made by the 2018 Farm Bill or that were required to implement 
administrative improvements and clarifications. This final rule adopts, 
with minor changes, the interim rule.

Discussion of CSP (7 CFR Part 1470)

    CSP encourages producers to address priority resource concerns and 
improve and conserve the quality and condition of natural resources in 
a comprehensive manner by:
    (1) Undertaking additional conservation activities and
    (2) Improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation 
activities.
    The Secretary of Agriculture delegated authority to the Chief, 
NRCS, to administer CSP.
    Through CSP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to 
eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and 
related natural resources on their land. Eligible lands include private 
or Tribal cropland, grassland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial 
private forest lands, and other land in agricultural areas (including 
cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land or land capable of 
being used for the production of livestock) on which resource concerns 
related to agricultural production could be addressed. Eligible lands 
also include lands associated with these private or Tribal agricultural 
lands on which a priority resource concern can be addressed through a 
CSP contract. Participation in CSP is voluntary. NRCS accepts 
applications for classic CSP at any time, with one cutoff period in the 
first quarter of each fiscal year. NRCS may also accept applications 
for renewal from a participant in the first half of the fifth year of 
the contract period. NRCS then ranks and makes funding decisions based 
on the applications received on or before the established cutoff date. 
Depending upon the availability of funds and the number of high-quality 
applications received during the first ranking and selection period, 
NRCS may establish additional ranking and selection periods during the 
remainder of the fiscal year.
    The interim rule:
     Removed text that addressed CSP implementation under the 
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) since the 2018 Farm 
Bill removed the requirement that RCPP be implemented through CSP and 
the other ``covered programs.''
     Removed reference to the CSP acreage cap and dollar-
amount-per-acre limit.
     Added definitions to reflect 2018 Farm Bill changes: 
Advanced grazing management, comprehensive conservation plan, and 
management-intensive rotational grazing.
     Addressed State organic allocations, which will be based 
on the number of organic and transitioning-to-organic operations in a 
State and the number of organic and transitioning-to-organic acres in a 
State.
     Required that if two or more applications receive the same 
ranking, they be ranked on the extent to which actual and anticipated 
conservation benefits from each contract are provided at the lowest 
cost relative to the other similar offers.
     Added advanced grazing management as a type of 
supplemental payment.
     Included text for the one-time payment option for 
development of a comprehensive conservation plan.
     Incorporated text about opportunity for participants to 
renew their contracts in the first half of the fifth year of the 5-year 
contract.
     Outlined implementation of the new CSP-Grassland 
Conservation Initiative (GCI).
    In addition to incorporating the changes made by the 2018 Farm 
Bill, the interim rule incorporated the following programmatic changes:
     Removed identification of the NRCS Chief as a Vice 
President of the Commodity Credit Corporation.
     Modified existing terms to reflect changes in terminology, 
to more closely

[[Page 63994]]

align CSP administration with the Environmental Quality Incentives 
Program (EQIP), and for clarity. These include, but are not limited 
to--
    [cir] Modifying ``eligible land'' to include public land when the 
land is a working component of the participant's agricultural or 
forestry operation.
    [cir] Modifying the definition of ``veteran farmers or ranchers'' 
to cite the statutory reference as modified by the 2018 Farm Bill.
    [cir] Clarifying ``enhancement,'' ``participant,'' and 
``stewardship threshold.''
     Specified eligibility requirements for all applicants 
sharing in the risk and participating in day-to-day activities.
     Expanded the potential scope of bundles and provides NRCS 
with discretionary authority for offering bundles.
     Removed certain requirements for applicants who cross 
ranking pool boundaries to increase applicant flexibility.
     Added organic producers and producers transitioning to 
organic as a category of producer with a targeted ranking pool.
     Clarified the annual payment structure and adjusted the 
timeframe for implementing an applicant's first conservation activity 
to align with EQIP.
     Stated that, unless a waiver is granted, participants will 
not receive payment for conservation activities initiated or 
implemented prior to contract approval.
     Expanded the regulatory $400,000 contract limit for all 
joint operations.
     Added text to allow for contract increases due to minor 
adjustments made to conservation activities at the discretion of NRCS.
     Provided greater consideration to a participant's 
circumstances with respect to changes made to their agricultural 
operations.
     Addressed contract changes that arise due to the death, 
incompetence, or disappearance of a CSP participant.
     Included an eligibility restriction for renewal-eligible 
participants who choose not to renew in favor of competing for a new 
contract.
     Removed text related to training NRCS staff.
     Adjusted definitions to conform to those in other NRCS or 
Department regulations.

Summary of Comments

    The interim rule 60-day comment period ended January 13, 2020. NRCS 
received 615 comments from 110 commenters in response to the rule. NRCS 
reviewed these 615 comments and categorized and summarized them 
according to the topics identified below. The topics that generated the 
greatest response were on payments, contract renewals and extensions, 
and ranking.
    In this rule, the comments have been organized in alphabetic order 
by topic. The topics include:
     Administration--Timing, Training, and Streamlining and 
Flexibility;
     Conservation Activities;
     Contract Renewals and Extensions--Incentives for Renewal, 
Ranking, and Single Renewal;
     Definitions;
     Eligibility--Activities, Land, and Producer;
     Funding;
     Grassland Conservation Initiative;
     Local and Regional Priorities;
     Organic and Transitioning to Organic;
     Outreach;
     Payment and Contract Limits;
     Payments--Comprehensive Conservation Plan Payment, Early 
Start Waiver, Land Use Requirements, Minimum Payment, Payment Factors, 
Payment Rates, Payment Schedules, Stewardship Threshold, and 
Supplemental Payment;
     Ranking--Criteria, Ranking Pools, and Timing;
     Soil Health;
     Source Water Protection; and
     Technology.
    Of the 615 comments raised by the commenters, 45 were general in 
nature and most expressed support for CSP or how CSP has benefitted 
particular operations. NRCS also received 54 comments raised by the 
commenters that were either outside the scope of the changes that NRCS 
made in the interim rule, expressed specific support for various 
provisions in the rule, or did not advocate for any changes.
    Overall, the commenters supported the changes made by the interim 
rule. This final rule responds to the comments received by the public 
comment deadline and makes minor clarifying and related changes.

Administration

Timing

    Comment: NRCS received comment that urged the agency to continue to 
provide timely announcement of funding opportunities and consistently 
make payments on time.
    Response: NRCS remains committed to providing timely information 
and payment for involvement in all our programs, including CSP. 
Timeliness of information and payments are integral to maintaining 
public trust and NRCS will continue to emphasize this importance in CSP 
implementation. No changes in the final rule are necessary to address 
this concern.

Training

    Comment: NRCS received comment that encouraged NRCS to continue to 
provide appropriate training to NRCS field staff. This was in response 
to a change to Sec.  1470.8(c). The interim rule removed the text that 
specifies that in providing technical assistance to specialty crop and 
organic producers, NRCS will provide appropriate training to field 
staff to enable them to work with producers and to utilize cooperative 
agreements and contracts with nongovernmental organizations with 
expertise in delivering technical assistance to these producers.
    Response: As explained in the interim rule, NRCS modified paragraph 
(c) to remove text related to training NRCS staff as this is an 
internal agency administrative matter. NRCS will continue to provide 
training to field staff for all aspects of work performed. No changes 
were made in this final rule in response to this comment.

Streamlining and Flexibility

    Comment: NRCS received comment urging NRCS to further streamline 
the processes for participation in CSP. Specifically, comment cited an 
abundance of paperwork and regulations that were cumbersome and 
difficult for participants to understand or navigate. The comment also 
sought an increased level of flexibility in how NRCS approaches CSP 
implementation.
    Response: NRCS understands that navigating Federal programs can at 
times be difficult and complex. NRCS is streamlining application and 
contract processes, which will reduce the number and intensity of 
participant tasks required for CSP participation. While the interim 
rule and this final rule make strides in this direction, the vast 
majority of recommendations regard changes to the internal 
administration of NRCS personnel.

Conservation Activities

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending changes to conservation 
activities. These comments included discussion of: Bundles, criteria, 
environmental benefits, renewals, and recommendations for particular 
enhancements.
    Response: NRCS appreciates the level of commitment and interest of 
our stakeholders in the details of the conservation activities for CSP. 
While specific conservation activities are not the purview of the rule, 
NRCS shared these comments with the staff who develop the guidance and 
standards

[[Page 63995]]

related to conservation activities and will be taken into consideration 
as updates are made. NRCS maintains a National Handbook of Conservation 
Practices and Field Office Technical Guides, which provide the 
requirements for individual conservation practices. Requirements for 
other conservation activities, including enhancements and bundles, are 
provided in guide sheets available on the NRCS website. The process for 
managing conservation practice standards can be found in the NRCS 
General Manual, Title 450, Part 401, ``Technical Guides.''

Contract Renewals and Extensions

Incentives for Renewal

    Comment: NRCS received comment about incentives and other items 
associated with contract renewal.
     Several comments recommended that NRCS make renewing a CSP 
contract more appealing and straightforward, such as by offering higher 
contract rates than in the initial contract.
     Others suggested that a participant could exhaust the 
available enhancements needed to qualify for renewal, recommended 
renewal offers be made in year four, and urged that NRCS simply renew 
existing contracts without requiring additional enhancements 
(additionality).
     Additional comments requested that more emphasis be placed 
on work completed in the initial CSP contract when determining payment 
rates for the renewal contract.
     Another comment recommended that applications for renewal 
contracts compete along with the applications for new contracts in the 
classic signup.
    Response: Renewal payment rates are determined based on the payment 
factors identified in the regulation and are evaluated annually to 
determine whether adjustments are needed. NRCS will continue to 
evaluate costs associated with managing and maintaining existing 
activities and implementing new activities and work to adjust the rates 
accordingly.
    Additionality is required by the law. NRCS will revisit the role 
that additionality plays for renewal contracts as it pertains to 
ranking and scheduling additional activities. The agency will address 
these issues in more detail in subsequent topics.
    NRCS has flexibility in adjusting the specific ranking criteria for 
each ranking pool, including between new and renewal ranking pools. 
Greater equity occurs when both renewal applicants and new applicants 
compete with other like applications. This ensures continued 
participation by the best stewards and offers opportunities for new 
producers to participate in CSP.

Ranking

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending that renewal be based 
mostly or completely on the environmental benefits of renewal 
contracts, especially those benefits obtained from implementation of 
existing activities.
    Response: CSP renewals were automatic in the past if the 
participant met basic compliance and threshold requirements. The 2018 
Farm Bill modified renewal criteria and required that renewals be based 
upon a competitive process using the same ranking factors as used for 
new CSP signups. Although the ranking criteria were simplified in the 
2018 Farm Bill and in the interim rule, NRCS will continue to give more 
weight to additional conservation than existing conservation in the 
ranking for both renewal and new signup contracts. NRCS's goal is to 
increase conservation and we will adjust weighting to create the 
correct balance in CSP through internal guidance without any change to 
the final rule. NRCS will continue to monitor CSP and ensure that it 
remains competitive.

Single Renewal

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending that NRCS remove the 
``one-time only'' text from the renewal options and allow participants 
to renew numerous times.
    Response: The 2018 Farm Bill removed the specific one-time renewal 
text that had been in the 2014 Farm Bill; however, the expectation is 
that participants will fully incorporate adopted CSP activities as part 
of their standard operation management. These producers should see the 
value in their conservation activities over time and no longer require 
payments they receive through CSP as an incentive to maintain these 
activities. This was the concept supporting the interim rule's addition 
of the 2-year ineligibility period in Sec.  1470.26(c). NRCS removed 
the ``one-time'' renewal text in this final rule, but also revised the 
provision related to the 2-year ineligibility period to include those 
who apply for renewal and are not selected. As comments point out, with 
each renewal, fewer and fewer enhancements remain available for an 
operation to qualify for renewal, and the competitive nature of the 
renewal process means that those enhancements that remain are likely 
not to have as much conservation benefit as existing activities on the 
operations seeking renewals beyond the first renewal contact. If 
situations change after 2 years, the operation will be eligible to once 
again compete in the classic CSP signup.

Definitions

    Comment: NRCS received comment related to definitions in the 
interim rule, including conservation activities, eligible land, 
enhancement, management intensive rotational grazing, and resource-
conserving crop.
    Response: The comments suggested minor, technical edits or gave 
general praise for specific definitions. The suggested minor edits are 
adopted.

Eligibility

Activities

    Comment: NRCS received comment about the eligibility of certain 
activities. First, comment sought to make eligible annual payments for 
existing activities regardless of any enhancements or additional 
activities, looking at two basic scenarios:
    (a) Where an operation or land use on an operation had exhausted 
the opportunities for additional activities, and they wanted CSP to 
serve as a reward for ongoing stewardship despite this lack of 
opportunity; or
    (b) Where a producer has started an activity before the contract is 
executed.
    Second, comment criticized the interim rule as not remaining size-
neutral, claiming this unfairly excluded larger operations where, as 
the comment argues, there is a greater opportunity for conservation 
benefits.
    Response: The CSP authorizing law mandates additional activities. 
By definition, a new conservation activity started before the contract 
is executed is not an ``additional'' activity under the contract.
    CSP requires participants to enroll their entire operation. NRCS 
only considers the size of the operation when calculating the per-acre 
payment-rate component of the existing activity payment, which is 
exclusively based on the actual acres of each land use enrolled in the 
contract. The only size-relevant limitation on CSP contracts is the 
$200,000 payment limit mandated by statute and incorporated in the CSP 
regulation and the associated regulatory contract limit that mirrors 
the payment limit for individuals and legal entities. In 2010, NRCS 
increased the contract limit to $400,000 for joint operations, which 
may benefit certain larger operations (through the final rule published 
in the Federal Register on June 3, 2010, 75 FR 31610-31661, referred to 
below as the 2010 CSP final

[[Page 63996]]

rule). In addition, participants in CSP are also subject to a $900,000 
average Adjusted Gross Income limitation.

Land

    Comment: NRCS received comment about land eligibility. Generally, 
these comments supported the changes made in the interim rule, 
especially the expansion of land eligibility to public land components 
of agricultural operations. Several comments recommended that NRCS do 
more to ensure that participants understand the provisions of their CSP 
contracts. Comments also addressed heirs' property, employee training, 
and other areas of interest that commenters would like NRCS to make 
eligible.
    Response: The types of publicly held land mentioned in comments all 
fall within the scope of public lands identified in the interim rule. 
Heirs' property issues fall within the scope of ``other instances in 
which NRCS determines under Sec.  1466.6(b)(3) that there is sufficient 
assurance of control'' when NRCS is making determinations of 
eligibility and no change was needed to address this concern. NRCS 
employee training and ensuring that participants understand their CSP 
contracts are necessary for NRCS to provide the highest-quality 
customer service; they are a priority for NRCS.

Producer

    Comment: NRCS received comment about producer eligibility 
requirements and how such may be affected by cash rent situations and 
tenant-landlord situations where:
    (a) The lease may terminate within the prospective contract period;
    (b) Control of land is ambiguous between tenant and landlord; and
    (c) The interests of tenant and landlord may be incongruous.
    Response: CCC regulations in 7 CFR part 1400 addresses cash-rent 
landlords and applies to CSP. This final rule reiterates that the 
producer must demonstrate control of the land and meet all applicant 
eligibility requirements for the producer to participate in CSP.

Funding

    Comment: NRCS received comment about how fund allocations are 
addressed in the regulation, including both support for and against the 
changes made. Some commenters recommended exchanging dollars for acres 
allocated to each State (that is, a proportional allocation of dollars 
based on the ratio of each State's agricultural land, weighted by land 
use type, relative to national totals). Other comment raised that 
different challenges and conservation opportunities for Western 
landowners should be considered in fund allocations to achieve more 
equitable geographic distribution of CSP funds. Some comment suggested 
using especially sensitive areas, such as critical conservation areas 
(CCAs), to prioritize allocations. Comment also recommended increasing 
set asides for historically underserved producers.
    Response: NRCS appreciates the suggestions made, but the text in 
the regulation about fund allocations mirrors the text in the law, and 
therefore no changes have been made in response to most of this 
comment. However, to provide clarity, NRCS adjusted text related to the 
set-aside for historically underserved producers in Sec.  1470.4(c).

Grassland Conservation Initiative

    Comment: NRCS received comment that recommended either prohibiting 
crops on land covered by a Grassland Conservation Initiative (GCI) 
contract or limiting the types of crops and other planted species by 
type and area on land enrolled in GCI.
    Response: This concern is addressed by the conservation stewardship 
threshold requirement in the interim rule. Any crops planted on land 
covered by a GCI contract must implement conservation activities that 
achieve conservation stewardship levels analogous to the land being 
planted or maintained in grass. This requirement will be fleshed out on 
a State-by-State basis using the methods defined in the regulation for 
stewardship thresholds, including analytics tools or models and other 
methods that measure conservation and improvement in priority resource 
concerns.

Local and Regional Priorities

    Comment: NRCS received comment requesting that NRCS address 
prioritization of conservation practices and activities according to 
local and regional needs, including seeking additional State-level 
flexibility and responsiveness to local resource concerns. Other 
comment requested that NRCS incorporate language that require 
consideration of local priority resource concerns when evaluating 
applications and to identify the prioritization process for States to 
select priority resource concerns. Comment also recommended that NRCS 
reference locally-led conservation in the rule, similar to what is in 
the EQIP rule.
    Response: NRCS has modified Sec.  1470.2(d) to more closely align 
with EQIP text, which addresses comments focused on flexibility and 
responsiveness to local and regional needs. NRCS involvement of State 
technical committees, Tribal Conservation Advisory Councils, and local 
working groups is identified in 7 CFR part 610, subpart C and in the 
NRCS standard operating procedures, which were published in the Federal 
Register on April 7, 2009 (74 FR 15673-15677). NRCS is not including 
these aspects in the CSP regulation.

Organic and Transitioning to Organic

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending modifications that 
assist organic producers or those transitioning to organic production, 
such as restoration of the full complement of organic-specific 
enhancements (citing the ``2017 reinvention of CSP''), weighting 
allocations more in the direction of farm numbers (as organic farms are 
smaller on average), using outside data to determine the number of 
operations transitioning to organic, and establishment of a separate 
ranking pool in each State for organic and transitioning to organic 
applicants.
    Response: Most CSP enhancement activities can be used on 
transitioning and certified organic operations. NRCS provides an 
organic crosswalk on its website, allowing transitioning and certified 
organic producers to see how various conservation activities can fit 
their operations. Though specific practices, activities, and 
enhancements are outside the scope of this rule, NRCS shared the 
comments with those who develop conservation standards and guidance to 
consider whether adjustments should be made. Similarly, with respect to 
weighting of allocations, Sec.  1470.4(b) states that NRCS will 
allocate funding based on both the number of operations and the number 
of acres. NRCS will continue to seek an equitable balance between these 
two criteria. Nothing in the rule prohibits the use of outside data to 
determine the status of an operation as transitioning to organic. NRCS 
addresses establishment of ranking pools, including those needed to 
support organic and transitioning to organic production, with the input 
of the State Technical Committee.

Outreach

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending additional outreach 
efforts, such as targeting forested lands, cover crop activities, and 
public lands.
    Response: NRCS appreciates this feedback and will continue to 
evaluate which aspects of CSP are underutilized to maximize the impact 
of outreach efforts.

[[Page 63997]]

Payments and Contract Limits

    Comment: NRCS received comment related to the higher contract 
limitation for joint operations. Most comment recommended keeping the 
contract limit at $200,000 regardless of the participant type 
suggesting that allowing the higher contract limit for joint operations 
reduces the availability of funds for individuals and small farms. 
Other comment suggested the contract limitation itself is a violation 
of the law and large operations provide more conservation benefits.
    Response: By law, CSP has an aggregate $200,000 payment limitation 
for persons and legal entities, directly or indirectly, for all 
contracts entered into during FYs 2019 through 2023. Under payment 
limitation requirements that are applicable to NRCS and Farm Service 
Agency programs, joint operations are able to receive a payment up to 
the maximum payment amount specified for a person or legal entity 
multiplied by the number of persons or legal entities that comprise 
ownership of that joint operation (see 7 CFR part 1400). Without a 
contract limit, joint operations could receive very large payments 
under a CSP contract.
    To address concerns related to large contracts with joint 
operations, NRCS decided in 2009 to impose a regulatory contract limit 
that corresponded with the CSP payment limitation. For the 2009 interim 
rule, the contract limit did not adjust for joint operations, but in 
response to public comment, the 2010 final rule doubled the contract 
limit for joint operations to $400,000. This system was maintained in 
the CSP regulation through the 2014 Farm Bill, was continued in the 
2019 interim rule, and is maintained in this final rule.
    The overall CSP payment limitation may not be waived. No member of 
a joint operation may receive more than $200,000 in payment through CSP 
for FYs 2019 through 2023. But, when a joint operation of two or more 
members enters into a CSP contract, the CSP contract with the joint 
operation may receive funding of up to $400,000. Note that large 
operations do not necessarily have the best stewardship and will not 
necessarily or automatically receive a higher payment. Payment is based 
on the manner in which the operation is managed.

Payments

Comprehensive Conservation Plan Payment

    Comment: NRCS received comment supporting the inclusion of the one-
time payment for development of a comprehensive conservation plan, 
including consideration of source water protection and the use of this 
option for development of forest management plans.
    Response: NRCS appreciates acknowledgement of the 2018 Farm Bill's 
inclusion of the one-time payment for development of a comprehensive 
conservation plan.

Early Start Waiver

    Comment: NRCS received comment about early start waivers. Comment 
expressed concern that this provision could prevent producers from 
earning payments for existing activities and recommended NRCS be 
required to grant waivers when administrative actions delay contract 
obligation and implementation of conservation activities until the 
following crop year.
    Response: In the interim rule, NRCS added text in Sec.  
1470.24(f)(4) to allow an ``early start waiver'' for CSP, which 
provides alignment with EQIP. Additionally, NRCS adjusted the final 
rule text in Sec.  1470.24(f)(4) to reflect that the provision applies 
only to new conservation activities. NRCS awards early start waivers on 
a case-by-case basis and does not believe that adding text requiring 
waivers in specific situations is needed.

Land Use Requirements

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending changes to requirements 
for payments tied to land use, including:
    (1) A change to Sec.  1470.24(a)(3) regarding the requirement that 
a participant implement at least one additional conservation activity 
on one land use within the first 12 months of the contract; and
    (2) A change to Sec.  1470.24(a)(2) requesting removal of the 
requirement that in order to receive an annual payment for a land use, 
the participant must adopt at least one additional conservation 
activity on that land use.
    Response: With respect to the requirement that a participant 
implement at least one additional conservation activity on one land use 
type, NRCS has adjusted the text in Sec.  1470.24(a)(3) to remove the 
phrase ``on one land use.''
    To address the comment focused on annual payment eligibility, the 
CSP statute requires adoption of new conservation activities and 
management and maintenance of existing activities. Past policy set the 
requirement that the applicant had to schedule an additional activity 
on each land use within the operation in order to receive payments. 
NRCS will address this concern in a manner that conforms to the 
existing regulatory text.

Minimum Payment

    Comment: NRCS received comment related to minimum payments 
recommending that the rule require that NRCS provide a minimum payment 
and that the minimum payment increase from $1,500 to at least $2,000.
    Response: Although NRCS has provided a minimum contract payment in 
the past, there may be reasons in the future where a minimum contract 
payment may not be warranted. As such, NRCS is retaining ``may'' in the 
final rule. The actual rate for minimum contract payments is not set in 
regulation but determined based upon estimated costs incurred by a 
participant for participation in the planning process that are not 
otherwise compensated under CSP. The NRCS Chief retains the discretion 
to adjust as appropriate to reflect costs incurred by a participant for 
which the participant is not otherwise compensated.

Payment Factors

    Comment: NRCS received comment that encouraged NRCS to use as the 
primary means for determining payment levels the degree to which the 
conservation activities are integrated across the entire agricultural 
operation for all State-identified priority resource concerns over the 
term of the contract.
    Response: CSP statutory provisions require NRCS to make payments 
based, to the maximum extent practicable, on the following seven 
factors:
    (1) Cost incurred by the producer associated with planning, design, 
materials, installation, labor, management, maintenance, or training;
    (2) Income forgone by the producer;
    (3) Expected conservation benefits;
    (4) The extent to which priority resource concerns will be 
addressed through the installation and adoption of conservation 
activities on the agricultural operation;
    (5) The level of stewardship in place at the time of application 
and maintained over the term of the contract;
    (6) The degree to which the conservation activities will be 
integrated across the entire agricultural operation for all applicable 
priority resource concerns over the term of the contract; and
    (7) Such other factors as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
    NRCS incorporates all statutory payment factors into the regulatory 
text, which are used to develop payment rates for both the existing 
activity payment and the additional activity payment. NRCS determines 
how to weight the various payment factors with

[[Page 63998]]

input from State technical committees as appropriate.

Payment Rates

    Comment: NRCS received comment related to payment rates 
recommending that NRCS evaluate the balance between payment for 
existing conservation activities versus payment for new conservation 
activities.
    Response: CSP participants are eligible to receive annual payments 
for maintaining existing conservation levels and implementing 
additional conservation activities.
    Since the CSP reinvention in 2017, annual payments for maintaining 
existing stewardship levels on the operation have been comprised of 
$300 to $350 per resource concern met at the time of application and a 
per-acre payment rate based on land use. Per-acre payment rates are 
based on estimated costs of existing conservation practices per acre on 
each land use. Cropland generally has received the highest payment 
rate, with range and forestland at the lower end, and pasture in the 
middle. As NRCS develops its digital tools, the agency will evaluate 
how to make payments more reflective of on-the-ground benefits using 
information available through the Conservation Assessment and Ranking 
Tool (CART). Based on the agency's goal to gain increased conservation 
benefits through CSP, NRCS will continue to give more weight to 
additional conservation over existing conservation in both ranking and 
payment.

Payment Schedules

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending that State 
Conservationists seek input from State technical committees in the 
development of the payment schedules; also, comment sought 
standardization of payment schedules between CSP and EQIP and increased 
public availability of those payment schedules.
    Response: Payment schedules are, and have been, consistent between 
CSP and EQIP. Payment schedules are posted on NRCS State websites and 
input from State technical committees is sought in the development of 
those schedules.

Stewardship Threshold

    Comment: NRCS received comment expressing concern about the 
requirement to adopt new conservation activities when a producer has 
already met the stewardship threshold.
    Response: As specified in the law, NRCS must continue to require 
that producers both maintain their existing activities and adopt 
additional activities.

Supplemental Payments

    Comment: NRCS received comment commending the interim rule's 
inclusion of supplemental payments for advanced grazing management and 
resource-conserving crop rotations; comment also offered a specific 
means of calculating the supplemental payment.
    Response: NRCS appreciates the positive feedback. The comment 
recommending calculation of the supplemental payment may be considered 
in the development of the payment schedules.

Ranking

Criteria

    Comment: NRCS received comment related to ranking criteria 
including that existing activities receive either equal or greater 
priority in ranking applications and emphasizing that environmental 
benefits should be the sole basis for the evaluation regardless of 
whether they result from existing or new activities. In addition, 
comment requested specific emphasis for certain resource concerns or 
target areas, such as forestry, water management, grazing management, 
cover crops, highly erodible land management, natural or ancient 
heritage sites, and participation in sustainability programs. The 
remaining comments requested NRCS:
    (a) Align CSP more with EQIP regarding input from State technical 
committees and local work groups;
    (b) Provide additional assistance to landowners with 
environmentally sensitive lands;
    (c) Allow for the continued use of basic cover crops in CSP; and
    (d) Broaden and simplify ranking criteria.
    Response: The text in Sec.  1470.20(c) in the interim rule mirrors 
text in the 2018 Farm Bill. The changes made there broaden the scope of 
NRCS discretion in ranking applications and building out the ranking 
factors within the final rule limits the discretion provided by the 
2018 Farm Bill. Regarding Sec.  1470.20(c)(iii), NRCS will use its 
discretion to maximize its ability to achieve CSP goals and objectives, 
including ensuring that producers enroll in CSP through a thoroughly 
competitive process. The goal is for CSP contracts to be awarded to 
applicants who propose activities with the greatest conservation 
benefits.

Ranking Pools

    Comment: NRCS received comment related to ranking pools, including 
recommending that the advice of the State technical committee in 
determining the appropriate ranking pools for the State, with a concern 
that focus on geographic areas, watersheds, or other high priority 
areas would detract from other priority resource concerns that were 
State-wide. Other comments request that NRCS include more specific 
language requiring the establishment of separate ranking pools for 
beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and 
ranchers, and organic and transitioning-to-organic producers.
    Response: NRCS has historically provided policy guidance that 
requires States to establish separate fund pools for beginning farmers 
and ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Changes 
to the suite of NRCS business tools have allowed States new flexibility 
in managing applications from these historically underserved groups. As 
a result, NRCS is not incorporating requirements specifying these 
ranking pools in the final rule. NRCS will, however, continue to ensure 
that historically underserved groups continue to have access to CSP.

Timing

    Comment: NRCS received comment on the timing of the ranking 
process, both supporting and recommending removal of the discretionary 
phrase ``to the extent practicable'' in Sec.  1470.2(c)(1). Other 
comments recommend expansion of the timing of the first ranking period.
    Response: NRCS appreciates the comments received on the timing of 
ranking periods. NRCS is retaining the discretionary text in the 
interim rule, which addresses unforeseen circumstances that may delay 
the agency's ability to hold a ranking period within the timeframe 
provided.

Soil Health

    Comment: NRCS received comment expressing that the interim rule 
failed to identify how NRCS will address soil health as a priority?
    Response: This comment refers to the new requirement that the 
Secretary ``[t]o the maximum extent feasible . . . manage [CSP] to 
enhance soil health.'' To address this concern, NRCS has added a 
paragraph to Sec.  1470.2 that identifies how NRCS will address soil 
health as a priority.

Source Water Protection

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending that NRCS should 
specifically address source water and drinking water protection in the 
final rule. While acknowledging the interim rule addressed water 
quality and quantity, comment urged NRCS to distinguish such resource 
concerns from

[[Page 63999]]

source water protection, and to prioritize source water protection in 
the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) watersheds or other high 
priority sites.
    Response: NRCS will continue to implement CSP to address source 
water protection. The 2018 Farm Bill contained specific text regarding 
source water protection in the EQIP provisions and, as CSP moves toward 
greater alignment with EQIP, NRCS will consider adding source water 
protection criteria to existing and new conservation activity guide 
sheets. Further, within the interim rule's provisions, States retain 
the authority to target CSP funds toward source water protection 
through the establishment of ranking pools, including prioritization of 
conservation activities within the ranking templates.

Technology

    Comment: NRCS received comment recommending greater producer 
accessibility to online tools, including access for rural communities 
without consistent online access. Other comment sought a way to 
calculate potential economic incentives for enrollment in CSP and 
another requested increased producer access to sustainability data in 
CART.
    Response: Digital tools and processes are outside the scope of the 
final rule. However, NRCS remains committed to providing excellent 
customer service, which includes providing a user-friendly interface 
with our public-facing digital tools. Future changes will likely take 
place on Farmers.gov or through other digital media.

Miscellaneous Correction

    In addition to the changes discussed above, this rule is making two 
corrections, both correct cross references to other regulations. There 
is a typo in the cross reference to a paragraph in another section of 
the regulation. One correction simply revises the cross reference to 
point to the accurate paragraph where the original contract limit is 
outlined. The other correction updates the cross reference to the USDA 
debt management rules in 7 CFR part 3. In the UDSA rule published on 
June 17, 2020, (85 FR 36670-36714) USDA revised part 3 to eliminate the 
debt collection regulations of the following USDA agencies: The 
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC); the Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation (FCIC), and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). This rule 
updates the cross-reference in the CSP regulation, which previously 
pointed to the former CCC debt management regulations.

Notice and Comment, Paperwork Reduction Act, and Effective Date

    In general, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553) 
requires that a notice of proposed rulemaking be published in the 
Federal Register and interested persons be given an opportunity to 
participate in the rulemaking through submission of written data, 
views, or arguments with or without opportunity for oral presentation, 
except when the rule involves a matter relating to public property, 
loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. This rule involves matters 
relating to benefits and therefore is exempt from the APA requirements. 
Further, the regulations to implement the programs of chapter 58 of 
title 16 of the U.S. Code, as specified in 16 U.S.C. 3846, and the 
administration of those programs, are--
     To be made as an interim rule effective on publication, 
with an opportunity for notice and comment,
     Exempt from the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. ch. 
35), and
     To use the authority under 5 U.S.C. 808 related to 
Congressional review.
    Consistent with the use of the authority under 5 U.S.C. 808 related 
to Congressional review for the immediate effective date of the interim 
rule, this rule is also effective on the date of publication in the 
Federal Register.

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 13771, and 13777

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 
direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available 
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select 
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive 
impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasized the importance 
of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of 
harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. The requirements in 
Executive Orders 12866 and 13573 for the analysis of costs and benefits 
apply to rules that are determined to be significant. Executive Order 
13777, ``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,'' established a 
Federal policy to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens on the 
American people.
    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated this final 
rule as economically significant under Executive Order 12866, and 
therefore, OMB has reviewed this rule. The costs, benefits, and 
transfers of this rule are summarized in the section below in this 
rule. The full regulatory impact analysis is available on https://www.regulations.gov/.
    Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs,'' requires that, to manage the private costs required 
to comply with Federal regulations, for every new significant or 
economically significant regulation issued, the new costs must be 
offset by savings from deregulatory actions. This rule involves 
transfer payments and does not rise to the level required to comply 
with Executive Order 13771.
    In general response to the requirements of Executive Order 13777, 
USDA created a Regulatory Reform Task Force, and USDA agencies were 
directed to remove barriers, reduce burdens, and provide better 
customer service both as part of the regulatory reform of existing 
regulations and as an on-going approach. NRCS reviews regulations and 
makes changes to improve any provision that was determined to be 
outdated, unnecessary, or ineffective.

Cost Benefit Analysis Summary

    Compared to CSP as authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill, Congress 
significantly reduced CSP's size in the 2018 Farm Bill--from $9 billion 
to $3.975 billion over 5 years--but left much of CSP's underlying 
structure intact. With fewer dollars available, fewer contracts will be 
funded under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, CSP will continue to fund 
high-ranking applications across all States, with the aim of improving 
cost effectiveness based on dollars per additional unit of conservation 
effect.
    The 2018 Farm Bill eliminated the 10-million-acre cap on enrollment 
and the annual $18 per acre cap on CSP costs, moving to an annual 
funding level for new contracts, similar to EQIP. NRCS will now 
obligate funds for all activities conducted under a new or renewed CSP 
contract up front. NRCS will also allocate a portion of the annually 
available funds for contract renewals.
    Regarding changes beyond funding and the elimination of the acreage 
cap, only the revised contract renewal conditions are expected to 
generate impacts that are moderately different from the 2014 Farm Bill. 
CSP contracts continue to run for 5 years and include the potential for 
participants to compete for a renewal contract for an additional 5 
years. Under the 2014 Farm Bill, renewals were non-competitive and as 
long as the participant met eligibility and CSP requirements, NRCS 
would

[[Page 64000]]

approve a renewal contract for one additional 5-year period. Under the 
2018 Farm Bill, NRCS ranks contract renewals against other contract 
renewals and funds the highest ranked renewal applications. NRCS 
provides funding for renewals using approximately 40 percent of the 
total funds allocated for CSP in a given fiscal year, not including the 
funds set aside for the CSP Grassland Conservation Initiative. NRCS 
uses the remaining 60 percent of the allocation to fund the highest 
ranked new applications. The overall decrease in program funding will 
reduce the funding available for both renewal and new contracts, 
reducing the total number of acres treated and the amount of 
conservation achieved through CSP. Cost-effectiveness of overall CSP 
may increase as lower ranked applications will not be funded.
    The 2018 Farm Bill also mandates the establishment of the CSP 
Grassland Conservation Initiative for eligible producers with base 
acres where the entire farm was planted to grass or pasture, or was 
idle or fallow, from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2017. Beginning in 
FY 2019, the Secretary started providing signups for producers' to make 
a one-time election to enroll eligible land in the initiative. NRCS 
will continue to provide signups until all eligible producers are 
enrolled or the authority for CSP expires, which is currently in FY 
2023. Enrollment is for a 5-year non-renewable term. Participants must 
meet CSP eligibility conditions, but do not go through the ranking 
process.
    Participating producers must agree to meet or exceed the 
stewardship threshold for not less than one priority resource concern 
by the date on which the contract expires. The annual payment is 
limited to $18 per acre, and enrolled acreage cannot exceed the number 
of base acres on a farm.
    An estimated 2.4 million acres meet the 2009 through 2017 criterion 
noted above and are eligible for the Grassland Conservation Initiative. 
Although these eligible acres are concentrated in Texas, Oklahoma and 
Kansas, there are eligible acreages throughout most of the country. The 
Grassland Conservation Initiative is expected to cost $214.9 million 
over 5 years, representing 5.5-percent of total authorized CSP funding 
under the 2018 Farm Bill. Through March 2020, a total of 1.2 million 
acres had been enrolled with obligated funds totaling $106.8 million. 
Cost-effectiveness may be affected marginally as fewer funds will be 
available.
    The 2018 Farm Bill established a $200,000 CSP payment limit per 
person or legal entity which carried over into the 2014 and 2018 Farm 
Bills. To address concerns related to potentially large contracts with 
joint operations, NRCS initially set a contract limit of $200,000 for 
all contracts but increased the contract limit to $400,000 for joint 
operations in the 2010 CSP final rule. NRCS indicated in the interim 
rule that the higher contract limit for joint operations would continue 
for the duration of the 2018 Farm Bill (2019 through 2023). In 
response, NRCS received comments on contract limits, most of which 
recommended keeping the contract limit at $200,000 regardless of the 
participant type. To evaluate these comments, NRCS considered the 
impact of eliminating higher contract limit on potential CSP 
participants and the demand for CSP funds. Analysis of data found that 
reducing the contract limit to $200,000 for all contracts would 
increase funding available for additional contracts on average by $43.7 
million per signup. The maximum increase in acres that could be treated 
with this additional funding--about 658,000 acres--represents 9.1 
percent of the 7.2 million acres enrolled on average per signup since 
2014. Reduced participation by joint operations and other factors, 
however, could lead to substantially fewer additional acres being 
treated than expected. Joint operations enrolled in CSP with contract 
costs exceeding the $200,000 limit are on average three times as large, 
in terms of acres, as operations enrolled in CSP with contract costs 
below the contract limit. However, the average per acre costs of the 
joint operations with contract costs exceeding the contract limit are 
only 1.34 times larger than the average per acre costs of operations 
enrolled in CSP that have contract costs below the contract limit. 
Based on these findings, NRCS is making no change to the existing 
$400,000 contract limit.
    Conservation activities funded through CSP contribute to 
improvements in soil health and reductions in water and wind erosion on 
cropland, pasture, forest and rangeland; reduce nutrient losses to 
streams, rivers, lakes and estuaries; increase wildlife habitat, 
including providing habitat for pollinators; and provide other 
environmental benefits. Environmental benefits resulting from CSP's 
conservation activities are difficult to quantify at this time. Partial 
estimates made by NRCS (see Benefits section in the full analysis) 
indicate the positive benefits of CSP.
    As explained above, beginning in FY 2020, NRCS began using a new 
software tool, CART, to assess and rank all program applications. Per 
the statutory requirements outlined in section 2308C(1) of the 2018 
Farm Bill, CART allows NRCS to rank CSP applications based on (1) the 
natural resource conservation and environmental benefits that result 
from the conservation treatment on all applicable priority resource 
concerns at the time of submission of the application; (2) the degree 
to which the proposed conservation activities increase natural resource 
conservation and environmental benefits; and (3) other consistent 
criteria, as determined by the Secretary. Additionally, CART creates 
the framework to better facilitate, and integrate, the potential costs 
with environmental benefits (outcomes). Through data collected in CART, 
NRCS will be better prepared to conduct future analysis of the 
environmental benefits achieved through CSP.
    NRCS estimates that the total cost (Table 1) of accessing the 
program over 5 years is $2.5 million with total transfers over 5-years 
equaling $3.795 billion. Given a 3 percent discount rate, this 
translates into a projected annualized cost to producers of accessing 
CSP of $414.4 thousand in constant 2019 dollars and projected 
annualized transfers (NRCS funds) of $759 million in constant 2019 
dollars.

   Table 1--Costs, Benefits and Transfers (Based on 3 Percent Discount
                            Rate), 2019-2023
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Category                     Annual estimate (2019 $)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs \a\.................................  $414,400.
Benefits..................................  Qualitative.
Transfers.................................  $759,000,000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Costs consist of imputed cost of applicant and participant time to
  gain access to CSP.

    In implementing the 2018 Farm Bill, USDA is following legislative 
intent to maximize conservation impacts, address natural resource 
concerns, establish an open participatory process, and provide flexible 
assistance to producers who apply appropriate conservation measures to 
comply with Federal, State, and Tribal environmental requirements. 
Participation in CSP is voluntary. Hence, CSP participation is not 
expected to negatively impact CSP participants and nonparticipants.

Clarity of the Regulation

    Executive Order 12866, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, 
requires each agency to write all rules in plain language. In addition 
to the substantive comments NRCS received on the interim rule, NRCS 
invited public comments on how to make the rule easier to understand.

[[Page 64001]]

NRCS has incorporated these recommendations for improvement where 
appropriate. NRCS responses to public comment are described in more 
detail above.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 
(SBREFA), generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory analysis 
of any rule whenever an agency is required by APA or any other law to 
publish a proposed rule, unless the agency certifies that the rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. This rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
because this rule is exempt from notice and comment rulemaking 
requirements of the APA and no other law requires that a proposed rule 
be published for this rulemaking initiative.

Environmental Review

    The environmental impacts of this rule have been considered in a 
manner consistent with the provisions of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), the regulations of the Council 
on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and the NRCS 
regulations for compliance with NEPA (7 CFR part 650). NRCS conducted 
an analysis of the CSP interim rule and the analysis has determined 
there will not be a significant impact to the human environment and as 
a result, an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required to be 
prepared (40 CFR 1508.13). While OMB has designated this rule as 
``economically significant'' under Executive Order 12866, ``. . . 
economic or social effects are not intended by themselves to require 
preparation of an environmental impact statement'' (40 CFR 1508.14), 
when not interrelated to natural or physical environmental effects. The 
Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI) were available for review and comment for 30 days from the date 
of publication of the interim rule in the Federal Register. NRCS has 
considered this input and determined that supplementing or revising the 
current available draft of the CSP EA was warranted. NRCS has made the 
following changes:
    3.1--Added info on comments received on interim rule and EA and 
addressed comment on EA.
    4.4--Updated description of ``Affected Environment'' when new data 
were available, including using 2017 Census of Agriculture data.
    Appendix C--Updated with 2019 CSP enhancement examples.
    Figure 7 (Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers)--Updated map 
using the most recent census data.

Executive Order 12372

    Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs,'' requires consultation with State and local officials that 
would be directly affected by proposed Federal financial assistance. 
The objectives of the Executive order are to foster an 
intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism, by relying 
on State and local processes for State and local government 
coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and 
direct Federal development. For reasons specified in the final rule-
related notice regarding 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29115, June 
24, 1983), the programs and activities in this rule are excluded from 
the scope of Executive Order 12372.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform.'' This rule will not preempt State or local laws, 
regulations, or policies unless they represent an irreconcilable 
conflict with this rule. Before any judicial actions may be brought 
regarding the provisions of this rule, the administrative appeal 
provisions of 7 CFR part 11 are to be exhausted.

Executive Order 13132

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 13132, 
``Federalism.'' The policies contained in this rule do not have any 
substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the 
Federal Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government, except as 
required by law. Nor does this rule impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore, 
consultation with the States is not required.

Executive Order 13175

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with Tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have Tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
    The USDA's Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) has assessed the impact 
of this rule on Indian Tribes and determined that this rule does not 
have significant tribal implication that require further tribal 
consultation under Executive Order 13175 at this time. If a Tribe 
requests consultation, NRCS and CCC will work with OTR to ensure 
meaningful consultation is provided where changes, additions, and 
modifications identified in this rule are not expressly mandated by the 
2018 Farm Bill. Tribal consultation for this rule was included in the 
2018 Farm Bill Tribal consultation held on May 1, 2019, at the National 
museum of the American Indian, in Washington, DC. The portion of the 
Tribal consultation relative to this rule was conducted by Bill 
Northey, USDA Under Secretary for the Farm Production and Conservation 
mission area, as part of the Title I session. There were no specific 
comments from Tribes on CSP during this Tribal consultation.
    Additionally, NRCS held sessions with Indian Tribes and Tribal 
entities across the country in the spring of FY 2019 to describe the 
2018 Farm Bill changes to NRCS conservation programs, obtain input 
about how to improve Tribal and Tribal member access to NRCS 
conservation assistance, and make any appropriate adjustments to the 
regulations that will foster such improved access. NRCS invited State 
leaders for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD), 
as well as Regional Directors for the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to 
discuss their programs also.
    As a result, approximately 50 percent of the comments received as a 
result of these sessions were directed to FSA, RMA, RD, and other USDA 
agencies, with many comments specific to hemp production and the 
surrounding regulations. Over 40 percent of the feedback pertained to 
NRCS programs. A handful of those comments were specific to CSP. 
Feedback included general requests for alternative funding arrangement 
opportunities under CSP, consideration of economic hardship of Tribes 
regarding financial assistance rates, and a more extensive list of 
culturally-significant plants for the subject state or region. Other 
comments included interest in establishing a separate funding pool for 
Tribes and an

[[Page 64002]]

explanation of why CSP went from an acre-based program to a dollar-
based program. Comments also listed challenges specific to Tribes that 
impact eligibility and inhibit access to USDA programs. None of the 
feedback received necessitated a change to the regulation.
    NRCS will continue to work with our Tribal stakeholders to address 
the issues raised in order to facilitate greater technical assistance 
and program delivery to Indian country.
    Separate from Tribal consultation and the sessions discussed above, 
communication and outreach efforts are in place to assure that all 
producers, including Tribes (or their members), are provided 
information about the regulation changes. Specifically, NRCS obtains 
input through Tribal Conservation Advisory Councils. A Tribal 
Conservation Advisory Council may be an existing Tribal committee or 
department and may also constitute an association of member Tribes 
organized to provide direct consultation to NRCS at the State, 
regional, and national levels to provide input on NRCS rules, policies, 
programs, and impacts on Tribes. Tribal Conservation Advisory Councils 
provide a venue for agency leaders to gather input on Tribal interests.

Unfunded Mandates

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Pub. 
L. 104-4), requires federal agencies to assess the effects of their 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments or the 
private sector. Agencies generally must prepare a written statement, 
including cost-benefits analysis, for proposed and final rules with 
Federal mandates that may result in expenditures of $100 million or 
more in any 1 year for State, local, or Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector. UMRA generally requires agencies 
to consider alternatives and adopt the more cost-effective or least 
burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. This 
rule contains no Federal mandates, as defined under title II of UMRA, 
for State, local, and Tribal governments or the private sector. 
Therefore, this rule is not subject to the requirements of UMRA.

Federal Assistance Programs

    The title and number of the Federal Domestic Assistance Programs in 
the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance to which this rule applies 
is 10.924--Conservation Stewardship Program.

E-Government Act Compliance

    NRCS and CCC are committed to complying with the E-Government Act, 
to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies 
to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to government 
information and services, and for other purposes.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1470

    Agricultural operation, Conservation activities, Natural resources, 
Priority resource concern, Stewardship threshold, Resource-conserving 
crop rotation, Soil and water conservation, Soil quality, Water quality 
and water conservation, Wildlife and forest management.

    Accordingly, the interim rule published November 12, 2019, at 84 FR 
60883, is adopted as final with the following changes:

PART 1470--CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

0
1. The authority citation for part 1470 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 3839aa-21-3839aa-25.


0
2. In Sec.  1470.2, add paragraph (c)(3) and revise paragraph (d) 
introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  1470.2   Administration.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) To the maximum extent feasible, manage CSP to enhance soil 
health.
    (d) To support locally led conservation, NRCS will solicit input 
from State technical committees, Tribal Conservation Advisory Councils, 
and local working groups to develop State-level technical, outreach, 
and program materials, including:
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  1470.3, revise the definitions for ``enhancement,'' 
``management-intensive rotational grazing,'' and ``resource-conserving 
crop'' to read as follows:


Sec.  1470.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Enhancement means a type of conservation activity used to treat 
natural resources and improve conservation performance that allows a 
producer to address levels of conservation beyond what the minimum 
conservation practice standard requires. Enhancements, alone or in 
combination with other enhancements and practices, result in 
conservation systems that are equal to or greater than the performance 
level for the planning criteria identified for a given resource 
concern. Planning criteria are defined for each resource concern in 
Section III--Conservation Management Systems, Field Office Technical 
Guide.
* * * * *
    Management-intensive rotational grazing means a strategic, 
adaptively managed multipasture grazing system in which animals are 
regularly and systematically moved to a fresh pasture in a manner that, 
as determined by NRCS:
    (1) Maximizes the quantity and quality of forage growth;
    (2) Improves manure distribution and nutrient cycling;
    (3) Increases carbon sequestration;
    (4) Improves the quality and quantity of cover for wildlife;
    (5) Provides permanent cover to protect the soil from erosion; and
    (6) Improves water quality.
* * * * *
    Resource-conserving crop means a crop that is one of the following, 
as determined by NRCS:
    (1) A perennial grass;
    (2) A legume grown for use as a cover crop, forage, seed for 
planting, or green manure;
    (3) A legume-grass or diverse grass-forb mixture comprised of 
species selected for climate, rainfall, soil, and other region-specific 
conditions; or
    (4) A small grain or other resource-demanding crop grown in 
combination with a grass, legume, other forbs, or grass-forb mixture, 
whether interseeded, relay-planted into the resource-demanding crop, or 
planted in rotation.
* * * * *

0
4. In Sec.  1470.4, revise paragraph (c) introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1470.4  Allocation and management.

* * * * *
    (c) Of the funds made available for each of fiscal years 2019 
through 2023 to carry out CSP, NRCS will, to the maximum extent 
practicable, use at least:
* * * * *

0
5. In Sec.  1470.24, revise paragraphs (a)(3) and (f)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1470.24  Payments.

    (a) * * *
    (3) At least one additional conservation activity must be 
implemented within the first 12 months of the contract. NRCS may extend 
this timeframe if NRCS determines that the participant is unable to 
complete the conservation activity for reasons beyond their control;
* * * * *
    (f) * * *

[[Page 64003]]

    (4) New conservation activities initiated or implemented prior to 
contract approval, unless NRCS granted a waiver prior to the 
participant starting the activity.
* * * * *


Sec.  1470.25   [Amended]

0
6. In Sec.  1470.25, amend paragraph (c) by removing the cross 
reference ``Sec.  1470.24(g)'' and adding ``Sec.  1470.24(h)'' in its 
place.

0
7. In Sec.  1470.26, revise paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  1470.26   Contract renewal.

    (a) During the first half of the fifth year of the initial contract 
period, NRCS may allow a participant to apply and compete for the 
opportunity under Sec.  1470.20 to renew the contract to receive 
payments for an additional 5-year period, subject to the availability 
of funds, if the participant meets criteria from paragraph (b) of this 
section.
* * * * *
    (c) NRCS will determine a participant ineligible for a new CSP 
contract on an agricultural operation for 2 years following expiration 
of their prior contract if the participant does not enter a renewal 
contract on the agricultural operation at the end of the prior contract 
period.


Sec.  1470.35   [Amended]

0
8. In Sec.  1470.35, amend paragraph (a) by removing the words ``7 CFR 
part 1403'' and adding the words ``part 3 of this title'' in their 
place.

Kevin Norton,
Acting Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Robert Stephenson,
Executive Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2020-22345 Filed 10-8-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P